We all need a support system.Sometimes we’re down and need to be alone,
sometimes we need the support of those near and dear to us;
the ones who care about our well being,
our mental states,
the ones who may not always agree with what we do,
but are there to listen to the troubles that keep us up at night.

Even if they give you advice that you don’t take,they’re still there for you,because that’s what friends do.
They’re there for the good and the bad;
even if you end up making poor decisions,
they will be there because they love you;
they respect that your life is yours to live,
they understand their own shortcomings
and stay around to see you make it to the other side,
to help congratulate you when you overcome it all
and you’re ever so thankful that they didn’t give up on you.

Some days, I’m not even fully sure what the human experience is supposed to be like. Why are we blessed with these brains that don’t serve us to our higher potential?Sometimes I misspeak words, overthink things, get distracted, criticize myself, worry, stress, complicate things, forget.

But I have to stay motivated, keep myself focused and remember to be kind to myself, because it’s hard. I’m no longer in my twenties and I think life is finally starting to break me down a little bit. Even though I try not to let it.
I have to believe that I can manifest greatness in my life, but I have to be an active participant; I can’t just wait for it to happen.

Thank you for being you,for unknowingly being a muse,
for cracking through my somewhat tough exterior.

Thank you for believing in me, for encouraging me to be more active about things I was passive about.
I’m still a work in progress, sometimes I fall off, but I think about what you’d say to me if you saw me slacking off.

Embrace the dark with the lightThe yin and yang, the language of the universe
There will always be a piece of the yin in the yangThere will always be a piece of the yang in the yin
Ever connectedMasculine and feminine
These two forces will always be one

To think positively, to appreciate the good in lifeComes the responsibility of addressing the shadows
The undercurrents of our souls that don’t always look so pretty
The acceptance that the undesirable always lurks around the corner
As above so below
Maintain the balance and become whole with yourself

The photos in this post are not taken from today, but I’m reminded of this moment in time due to today’s first snow shower in Brooklyn. It’s been quite warm as of late, and aside from our blast of cool air this weekend – tomorrow will be a high of 54 and rainy; I’m not looking forward to it.

The photos I’m sharing are from snow days we had earlier in 2016 – when I was inspired to go outside and capture moments of peace and natural beauty. The first blanketing of snow on the concrete is a magical transformation. To see the glimmer from the snowflakes, the encapsulating white, is to enjoy winter at its best. Yes, it’s cold, but it’s never too cold to go out and enjoy it!

Snow always calls for adventures. Whether it’s snowball fights, sledding, or rolling down hills, I appreciate how it summons our inner child to play. The snow slows us down, both physically and mentally. We savor the time watching the flakes fall from the sky, witnessing our environment change before our eyes. We know commutes will be longer and we’ll have to shovel and make paths – but we also know it’s the perfect excuse to get the fireplace started and drink something warm.

I’m taking this opportunity to romanticize the snow. To think about the comfort of relaxing with a book, wine, knitting, or loved one. To think about staying in for the day and not feel ashamed of it. Well, unless there’s work. But isn’t there something pleasant and tranquil about a snowfall?